Rating: 
Summary: Not Gourmet, but Definitely Satisfying
Review: When I first looked into RAW FOODS recipe books, I was quite turned off. It is not that I was not interested in eating raw food, but it was the unrealistic time involved just to make a meager meal, not worthy to fill up four hungry people like I have in my family.I looked through several popular raw foods books in the library and ended up not buying them. Too much work for too little result. When I got a copy of this book RECIPES FOR LIFE:FROM GOD'S GARDEN, by RHONDA MALKMUS, I was wary at first. After seeing the odd and sparse account of the "Hallelujah Diet" on their web site, I was not sure they could even make a book of recipes! I also must say that George Malkmus always looked emaciated to me and that made me not want to explore the diet either. However, the recipes in the book are the best raw recipes I have seen so far. They are not overly fancy, but they are usually very good tasting. Quickly prepared, I find that many of the recipes make eating raw foods much more attainable. There are lots of cooked food recipes in this book. Also some unrealistic recipes that I will never make (bread that dehydrates for days). Each recipe is rated by stars, 5 being the most ideal and less being less ideal. I also appreciate the information included in this book. Having studied the field of health and nutrition for over two decades, I find that the information in this book is one of the only places I have seen what I have found valuable in my research compiled mostly in one place. It is great to answer the questions of "why" people eat or avoid certain foods or preparation methods. For that reason alone, I recommend this book. The recipes I can and have used are plenty and quick to do. Blender, processor, and juicers are necessary, but that is usually the case with raw foods. The spiral binding is also wonderful on this book. If I could only get one book nutritionally and about raw foods, this would win hands down. When I eat recipes used from this book, my entire family feels better and acts better too. As for emaciated- I have since met other people on the diet who are weight lifters, older people retirement age, and athletes- all of who use this book and are far from emaciated. Fit and trim, yes, but not emaciated. I am a gourmet cook with a drive to create interesting and artistic meals. This book does not disappoint me in the flavor department. It is not bland or boring,but neither is it artistic and dynamic. Great for that dinner hour when I can not think, do not want to think, yet want to make raw healthy food for the family and know they will eat it. In a few days, I can think again and embark on a gourmet meal of another vegan sort....
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